Government’s $600 economic stimulus check was only enough to buy “a pair of earrings”

[Hina]

I believe Michlle Obama is a fine intelligent woman just as I think Cindy Mccain is one graceful elegant dame.

Having said that, I wish Michlle would've though twice before uttering the words below:

"the government’s $600 economic stimulus check is only enough to buy “a pair of earrings”

Huh ??

You're getting $600 - what can you do with that?” Mrs. Obama said in Pontiac, Michigan last week. “Not to be ungrateful or anything, but maybe it pays down a bill, but it doesn't pay down every bill every month. The short-term quick fix kinda stuff sounds good, and it may even feel good that first month when you get that check, and then you go out and you buy a pair of earrings."

[darkwing932]

It never ceases to amaze me how out of touch polititicians and their familes are with the little man they profess to serve.

[derketchup]

Maybe she could only buy a pair of earrings with it -- I could buy around 60 pairs

[beth119]

I think this is a little taken out of context. What she was trying to say is that the stimulus was not a long term solution.
No where in that quote did she say that is ALL you can buy with the check.

No where did she say that is what she bought. In fact, I am pretty sure with the Obama's income, they did not get any stimulus check.

I say things like this all the time to my friends. Sure that extra 1200 was nice, but what about next month? Sure that new TV is pretty, but are you going to be pawning it the next month for gas?

These are very real and important questions we should be asking ourselves. I applaud her for speaking up and addressing real issues.

[vickib50]

I'm with you, Beth. I think she was just putting the stimulus check into context. I guess I'm being a bit personal here, and it may not be taken well, but, I confess that I live on a $791 month disability check. Even having so little money, when I saw my $300 stimulus check, my thoughts were, "Well, what good is this over the long haul?" Thankfully, I am able to work a tiny bit and can pick up an additional $200 or so each month.

[jujubee]

I agree, beth. Based solely on what the OP typed above (I haven't read this article elsewhere), I'm thinking she's referencing the fact that "the government" kept telling us to go out and "buy something! spend the money! don't save it! don't pay bills! buy something...anything...spend!!" In fact I heard a segment on NPR where some people were actually targeted for having a high possiblity of paying off dept with the money instead of buying with it, and were given material items that "the government" decided they needed - in one case an AC unit. :rollseyes:

I think Michelle is trying to point out that we don't need to spend more money on unnecessary STUFF, we need real help in securing our future survival. And a new pair of earrings ain't gonna cut it when we can't afford to fill our fridge.

jm2c.